Jazzeando by Heberto Castillo y Su Grupo: A Timeless Groove from 1989
Alright, let’s talk about Jazzeando. This album isn’t just jazz—it’s jazz with a soulful wink and a groove that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Released in 1989 by Discos Pentagrama S.A. de C.V., this Mexican gem is the brainchild of pianist Heberto Castillo, who leads his tight-knit crew through eight tracks of smooth, contemporary jazz magic. It’s not perfect—there are moments where things feel a little loose—but honestly? That’s part of its charm.
First off, let me hit you with “Pasión En FA.” Man, this track grabs you by the ears right outta the gate. The piano work here feels like Castillo’s fingers are dancing across the keys instead of pressing them. There's this playful energy bouncing between Raúl Olvera’s basslines and Hugo Hernández’s drumming that makes your head nod involuntarily. You know those songs that sound like they were recorded live at midnight in some smoky club? Yeah, that’s this one. And Armando Cruz’s congas? They’re subtle but sneakily hypnotic, adding layers without stealing the spotlight. Every time I hear this tune, I imagine myself walking down a dimly lit street somewhere in Mexico City, feeling cooler than I actually am.
Then there’s “Atardecer,” which hits different. It’s slower, moodier, almost like staring at a sunset while thinking about life choices you didn’t make. Alejandro Corona’s flute floats over everything else, soft and dreamy, like whispers carried by the wind. This track has this cinematic vibe to it—you could totally picture it playing during a montage in an ‘80s movie where someone realizes they’re falling in love or figuring themselves out. It’s got heart, man. Like, real-deal emotion pouring out of every note. If you’re not careful, it might make you pause whatever you’re doing and just… feel.
What’s wild about Jazzeando is how effortlessly it blends technical skill with raw emotion. Sure, these guys can play—they wouldn’t have been able to pull off tracks like “Girando” or “A Traves Del Cristal” otherwise—but what sticks with you isn’t their technique; it’s the stories they tell through their instruments. Producer Modesto López deserves props too for keeping things grounded yet polished enough to shine.
And hey, shoutout to Julio Rochón for the cover art (or photography, rather). Even though I haven’t seen it firsthand, something tells me it matches the vibe inside perfectly—a mix of elegance and understated cool.
Here’s the kicker: listening to Jazzeando feels like hanging out with old friends you haven’t seen in years. It’s familiar yet fresh, comforting yet surprising. And honestly? That’s rare. Most albums either try too hard or don’t try hard enough. But this one? It finds that sweet spot.
So next time you’re vibing and need something chill but still deep, throw this baby on. Just don’t blame me if you start daydreaming about Mexican sunsets and smoky jazz clubs. Trust me, though—it’s worth it.
